Lisbon Marching Band headed to perform for the nation in D.C. July 4 parade

LISBON – The Lisbon Central School marching band left for Washington, D.C., Tuesday, headed to participate in the national Independence Day parade on Thursday.

U.S. Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, met with the marching band as they prepared to board buses and listened to an impromptu performance of New York, New York.

You should really take the opportunity to soak this up, Mr. Owens said to the students. Youre bringing the culture of the north country to Washington to share with the rest of the country.

He said the Lisbon band will gain from the experience.

What theyll learn is, even though they come from a small, rural community, they can compete with people from around the rest of the country, he said. It will give them self-confidence in the next stage of their life.

The trip is being attended by 51 Lisbon musicians ranging in age level from fourth grade to recent graduates.

Director Glenn O. Roberts said Mr. Owens, who nominated the band for the performance, was central to getting Lisbon involved in the D.C. ceremony.

The parade will begin at 11:45 a.m. at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street.

To kick off their season like this, its a huge accomplishment for the school, for the community, for the north country, drum line coordinator Bob Bice said. Its going to be a real good experience for them.

Leeann Dawley, a member of the color guard who graduated from Lisbon Central School in June, said the chance to perform in the Independence Day Parade is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Its an honor.

Another recent graduate and color guard member, Kaela P. Erwin, said she is very excited to participate in the celebration, especially coming from a small town.

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